Electronic device having structure with gas sensor

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a housing having a hole formed therein, an audio device inside the housing and communicating with an outside of the electronic device through the hole, a gas sensor inside the housing and communicating with the outside through the hole, a proximity sensor inside the housing, a wireless communication module inside the housing, and a processor inside the housing. The processor is configured to acquire data associated with air outside the electronic device by using the gas sensor, to recognize a user gesture of starting a proximity call by using the proximity sensor, and to calculate air quality of the outside air based on at least one of data acquired by the gas sensor before the proximity call starting gesture is recognized and data acquired by the gas sensor after a gesture of ending the proximity call is recognized. Other various embodiments are possible.

CROSS-REFFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of 16/208,750 filed on Dec. 4, 2018which is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2017-0166204, filed on Dec. 5, 2017, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an electronicdevice having a structure equipped with a gas sensor for analyzing thecomposition of an outside air.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, the measurement of an air quality is performed at aspecific place by a specialized agency, such as an environmental agency.As interest in air quality has increased recently, some mobileelectronic devices (e.g., smart phones) having a gas sensor capable ofmeasuring the air quality are being released.

SUMMARY

Equipping a gas sensor inside an electronic device requires a hole thatcan directly and fluidically communicate with the external environmentof the electronic device. However, to improve, for example, the waterresistant characteristics of electronic devices, adding holes to theexternal housing of the electronic devices has been disfavored.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a structure in theelectronic device in which a gas sensor shares a hole with othercomponents such as a receiver or a microphone. This way, an advantagecan be realized in that additional holes need not be added to thehousing of the electronic device. In addition, one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure provide an electronic device configured toperform a particular function based on information acquired via a gassensor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice may comprise a housing having a hole formed therein; an audiodevice located inside the housing and communicating with an outside ofthe electronic device through the hole; a gas sensor located inside thehousing and communicating with the outside through the hole; a proximitysensor located inside the housing; a wireless communication modulelocated inside the housing; and a processor located inside the housingand electrically connected to the audio device, the gas sensor, theproximity sensor, and the wireless communication module. The processormay be configured to acquire data associated with air outside theelectronic device by using the gas sensor, to recognize a user gestureof starting a proximity call by using the proximity sensor, and tocalculate a quality of the outside air, based on at least one of dataacquired by the gas sensor before the proximity call starting gesture isrecognized, or data acquired by the gas sensor after a gesture of endingthe proximity call is recognized.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice may comprise a housing having a hole formed therein; a microphonelocated inside the housing and communicating with an outside of theelectronic device through the hole; a gas sensor located inside thehousing and communicating with the outside through the hole; a proximitysensor located inside the housing; a wireless communication modulelocated inside the housing; and a processor located inside the housingand electrically connected to the microphone, the gas sensor, theproximity sensor, and the wireless communication module. The processormay be configured to recognize a user gesture of starting a proximitycall, based on at least data acquired from the proximity sensor when theelectronic device is in communication with an external device via thewireless communication module, and to measure a user's health status,based on at least data acquired by the gas sensor after the user gestureof starting the proximity call is recognized. According to an embodimentof the present disclosure, a method for operating an electronic devicemay comprise acquiring, by a gas sensor of the electronic device, dataassociated with air outside the electronic device; recognizing, by aprocessor of the electronic device, a user gesture of starting aproximity call, based on at least data acquired from a proximity sensorof the electronic device when the electronic device is in communicationwith an external device via a wireless communication module of theelectronic device; and calculating, by the processor, air quality basedon at least one of data acquired by the gas sensor before the proximitycall starting gesture is recognized and data acquired by the gas sensorafter a gesture of ending the proximity call is recognized.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method foroperating an electronic device may comprise recognizing, by a processorof the electronic device, a user gesture of starting a proximity call,based on at least data acquired from a proximity sensor of theelectronic device when the electronic device is in communication with anexternal device via a wireless communication module of the electronicdevice; and measuring, by the processor, a user's health status, basedon at least data acquired by a gas sensor of the electronic device afterthe user gesture of starting the proximity call is recognized.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobileelectronic device is capable of gas measurement through an existing holebeing used for other purposes (e.g., sound output or sound acquisition)without requiring a separate hole dedicated to the gas sensor. Also,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, anelectronic device is configured to perform specific functions based oninformation acquired via the gas sensor. Additional aspects will be setforth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of thepresented embodiments

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a networkenvironment according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an audio module according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a program according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a front side of a mobileelectronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a rear side of the electronicdevice of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a plan view showing an upper side of the electronic device ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a structure equipped with amicrophone and a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing one side of the structure shown inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a front side of a structure equippedwith a receiver and a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB′ of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure equipped with areceiver and a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronic devicehaving a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a common hole for a microphone and a gas sensor accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a common hole for a receiver and a gas sensor according toan embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in anetwork environment 100 according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 maycommunicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g.,a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-rangewireless communication network). According to an embodiment, theelectronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 viathe server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101may include a processor 120, memory 130, an input device 150, a soundoutput device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensormodule 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180,a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device 160 orthe camera module 180) of the components may be omitted from theelectronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added inthe electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the componentsmay be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, thesensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or anilluminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware orsoftware component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with theprocessor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation.According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing orcomputation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received fromanother component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communicationmodule 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the datastored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data innon-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g.,a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), asensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that isoperable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may beadapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to bespecific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may beimplemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions orstates related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160,the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among thecomponents of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state,or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 isin an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to anembodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processoror a communication processor) may be implemented as part of anothercomponent (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190)functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component(e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronicdevice 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g.,the program 140) and input data or output data for a command relatedthereto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or thenon-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and mayinclude, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, oran application 146.

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by othercomponent (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, fromthe outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The inputdevice 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard,or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device 155 may output sound signals to the outside ofthe electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, forexample, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for generalpurposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receivermay be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, thereceiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside(e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 mayinclude, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector andcontrol circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display,hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the displaydevice 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, orsensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure theintensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal andvice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtainthe sound via the input device 150, or output the sound via the soundoutput device 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g.,an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupledwith the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may generate an electric signal or data valuecorresponding to an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) ofthe electronic device 101 or an environmental state external to theelectronic device 101. The sensor module 176 may include, for example, agesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, amagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximitysensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor (e.g., an electronicnose sensor), or an illuminance sensor. In some embodiments, two or moresensors (e.g., a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gassensor) may be integrated into a single sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be usedfor the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) orwirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include,for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universalserial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or anaudio interface.

A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which theelectronic device 101 may be physically connected with the externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to anembodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMIconnector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector(e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalstimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus whichmay be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinestheticsensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 mayinclude, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electricstimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images.According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one ormore lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to theelectronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power managementmodule 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a powermanagement integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 mayinclude, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, asecondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g.,wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) andperforming communication via the established communication channel. Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communicationprocessors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g.,the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired)communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment,the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wirelesscommunication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a localarea network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication(PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules maycommunicate with the external electronic device via the first network198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™,wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA))or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network,such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g.,LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communicationmodules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip),or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separatefrom each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify andauthenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, suchas the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriberinformation (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI))stored in the subscriber identification module 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to orfrom the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of aconductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate(e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 mayinclude a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antennaappropriate for a communication scheme used in the communicationnetwork, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may beselected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., thewireless communication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. Thesignal or the power may then be transmitted or received between thecommunication module 190 and the external electronic device via theselected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, anothercomponent (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other thanthe radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antennamodule 197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutuallyand communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via aninter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purposeinput and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted orreceived between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Eachof the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of a same type as,or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to anembodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronicdevice 101 may be executed at one or more of the external electronicdevices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response toa request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101,instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service,may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform atleast part of the function or the service. The one or more externalelectronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least partof the function or the service requested, or an additional function oran additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome ofthe performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of theoutcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, acloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computingtechnology may be used, for example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating the audio module 170according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the audio module170 may include, for example, an audio input interface 210, an audioinput mixer 220, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 230, an audiosignal processor 240, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 250, an audiooutput mixer 260, or an audio output interface 270.

The audio input interface 210 may receive an audio signal correspondingto a sound obtained from the outside of the electronic device 101 via amicrophone (e.g., a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, or apiezo microphone) that is configured as part of the input device 150 orseparately from the electronic device 101. For example, if an audiosignal is obtained from the external electronic device 102 (e.g., aheadset or a microphone), the audio input interface 210 may be connectedwith the external electronic device 102 directly via the connectingterminal 178, or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth™ communication) via thewireless communication module 192 to receive the audio signal. Accordingto an embodiment, the audio input interface 210 may receive a controlsignal (e.g., a volume adjustment signal received via an input button)related to the audio signal obtained from the external electronic device102. The audio input interface 210 may include a plurality of audioinput channels and may receive a different audio signal via acorresponding one of the plurality of audio input channels,respectively. According to an embodiment, additionally or alternatively,the audio input interface 210 may receive an audio signal from anothercomponent (e.g., the processor 120 or the memory 130) of the electronicdevice 101.

The audio input mixer 220 may synthesize a plurality of inputted audiosignals into at least one audio signal. For example, according to anembodiment, the audio input mixer 220 may synthesize a plurality ofanalog audio signals inputted via the audio input interface 210 into atleast one analog audio signal.

The ADC 230 may convert an analog audio signal into a digital audiosignal. For example, according to an embodiment, the ADC 230 may convertan analog audio signal received via the audio input interface 210 or,additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized viathe audio input mixer 220 into a digital audio signal.

The audio signal processor 240 may perform various processing on adigital audio signal received via the ADC 230 or a digital audio signalreceived from another component of the electronic device 101. Forexample, according to an embodiment, the audio signal processor 240 mayperform changing a sampling rate, applying one or more filters,interpolation processing, amplifying or attenuating a whole or partialfrequency bandwidth, noise processing (e.g., attenuating noise orechoes), changing channels (e.g., switching between mono and stereo),mixing, or extracting a specified signal for one or more digital audiosignals. According to an embodiment, one or more functions of the audiosignal processor 240 may be implemented in the form of an equalizer.

The DAC 250 may convert a digital audio signal into an analog audiosignal. For example, according to an embodiment, the DAC 250 may converta digital audio signal processed by the audio signal processor 240 or adigital audio signal obtained from another component (e.g., theprocessor (120) or the memory (130)) of the electronic device 101 intoan analog audio signal.

The audio output mixer 260 may synthesize a plurality of audio signals,which are to be outputted, into at least one audio signal. For example,according to an embodiment, the audio output mixer 260 may synthesize ananalog audio signal converted by the DAC 250 and another analog audiosignal (e.g., an analog audio signal received via the audio inputinterface 210) into at least one analog audio signal.

The audio output interface 270 may output an analog audio signalconverted by the DAC 250 or, additionally or alternatively, an analogaudio signal synthesized by the audio output mixer 260 to the outside ofthe electronic device 101 via the sound output device 155. The soundoutput device 155 may include, for example, a speaker, such as a dynamicdriver or a balanced armature driver, or a receiver. According to anembodiment, the sound output device 155 may include a plurality ofspeakers. In such a case, the audio output interface 270 may outputaudio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereochannels or 5.1 channels) via at least some of the plurality ofspeakers. According to an embodiment, the audio output interface 270 maybe connected with the external electronic device 102 (e.g., an externalspeaker or a headset) directly via the connecting terminal 178 orwirelessly via the wireless communication module 192 to output an audiosignal.

According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may generate, withoutseparately including the audio input mixer 220 or the audio output mixer260, at least one digital audio signal by synthesizing a plurality ofdigital audio signals using at least one function of the audio signalprocessor 240.

According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may include an audioamplifier (not shown) (e.g., a speaker amplifying circuit) that iscapable of amplifying an analog audio signal inputted via the audioinput interface 210 or an audio signal that is to be outputted via theaudio output interface 270. According to an embodiment, the audioamplifier may be configured as a module separate from the audio module170.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating the program 140 according tovarious embodiments. According to an embodiment, the program 140 mayinclude an operating system (OS) 142 to control one or more resources ofthe electronic device 101, middleware 144, or an application 146executable in the OS 142. The OS 142 may include, for example, Android™,iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™. At least part of the program140, for example, may be pre-loaded on the electronic device 101 duringmanufacture, or may be downloaded from or updated by an externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102 or 104, or the server108) during use by a user.

The OS 142 may control management (e.g., allocating or deallocation) ofone or more system resources (e.g., process, memory, or power source) ofthe electronic device 101. The OS 142, additionally or alternatively,may include one or more driver programs to drive other hardware devicesof the electronic device 101, for example, the input device 150, thesound output device 155, the display device 160, the audio module 170,the sensor module 176, the interface 177, the haptic module 179, thecamera module 180, the power management module 188, the battery 189, thecommunication module 190, the subscriber identification module 196, orthe antenna module 197.

The middleware 144 may provide various functions to the application 146such that a function or information provided from one or more resourcesof the electronic device 101 may be used by the application 146. Themiddleware 144 may include, for example, an application manager 301, awindow manager 303, a multimedia manager 305, a resource manager 307, apower manager 309, a database manager 311, a package manager 313, aconnectivity manager 315, a notification manager 317, a location manager319, a graphic manager 321, a security manager 323, a telephony manager325, or a voice recognition manager 327.

The application manager 301, for example, may manage the life cycle ofthe application 146. The window manager 303, for example, may manage oneor more graphical user interface (GUI) resources that are used on ascreen. The multimedia manager 305, for example, may identify one ormore formats to be used to play media files, and may encode or decode acorresponding one of the media files using a codec appropriate for acorresponding format selected from the one or more formats. The resourcemanager 307, for example, may manage the source code of the application146 or a memory space of the memory 130.The power manager 309, forexample, may manage the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery189, and determine or provide related information to be used for theoperation of the electronic device 101 based at least in part oncorresponding information of the capacity, temperature, or power of thebattery 189. According to an embodiment, the power manager 309 mayinterwork with a basic input/output system (BIOS) (not shown) of theelectronic device 101.

The database manager 311, for example, may generate, search, or change adatabase to be used by the application 146. The package manager 313, forexample, may manage installation or update of an application that isdistributed in the form of a package file. The connectivity manager 315,for example, may manage a wireless connection or a direct connectionbetween the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device.The notification manager 317, for example, may provide a function tonotify a user of an occurrence of a specified event (e.g., an incomingcall, message, or alert). The location manager 319, for example, maymanage locational information on the electronic device 101. The graphicmanager 321, for example, may manage one or more graphic effects to beoffered to a user or a user interface related to the one or more graphiceffects.

The security manager 323, for example, may provide system security oruser authentication. The telephony manager 325, for example, may managea voice call function or a video call function provided by theelectronic device 101. The voice recognition manager 327, for example,may transmit a user's voice data to the server 108, and receive, fromthe server 108, a command corresponding to a function to be executed onthe electronic device 101 based at least in part on the voice data, ortext data converted based at least in part on the voice data. Accordingto an embodiment, the middleware 344 may dynamically delete someexisting components or add new components. According to an embodiment,at least part of the middleware 144 may be included as part of the OS142 or may be implemented as another software separate from the OS 142.

The application 146 may include, for example, a home 351, dialer 353,short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) 355,instant message (IM) 357, browser 359, camera 361, alarm 363, contact365, voice recognition 367, email 369, calendar 371, media player 373,album 375, watch 377, health 379 (e.g., for measuring the degree ofworkout or biometric information, such as blood sugar), or environmentalinformation 381 (e.g., for measuring air pressure, humidity, ortemperature information) application. According to an embodiment, theapplication 146 may further include an information exchangingapplication (not shown) that is capable of supporting informationexchange between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice. The information exchange application, for example, may include anotification relay application adapted to transfer designatedinformation (e.g., a call, message, or alert) to the external electronicdevice or a device management application adapted to manage the externalelectronic device. The notification relay application may transfernotification information corresponding to an occurrence of a specifiedevent (e.g., receipt of an email) at another application (e.g., theemail application 369) of the electronic device 101 to the externalelectronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relayapplication may receive notification information from the externalelectronic device and provide the notification information to a user ofthe electronic device 101.

The device management application may control the power (e.g., turn-onor turn-off) or the function (e.g., adjustment of brightness,resolution, or focus) of the external electronic device or somecomponent thereof (e.g., a display device or a camera module of theexternal electronic device). The device management application,additionally or alternatively, may support installation, delete, orupdate of an application running on the external electronic device.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one ofvarious types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include,for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), acomputer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medicaldevice, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According toan embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limitedto those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the presentdisclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit thetechnological features set forth herein to particular embodiments andinclude various changes, equivalents, or replacements for acorresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of thedrawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar orrelated elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a nouncorresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unlessthe relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, eachof such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one ofA or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least oneof A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations ofthe items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. Asused herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” maybe used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another,and does not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance ororder). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or“communicatively,” as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or“connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means thatthe element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g.,wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented inhardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used withother terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or“circuitry.” A module may be a single integral component, or a minimumunit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. Forexample, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in aform of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software(e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that arestored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101).For example, a processor(e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g.,the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or moreinstructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with orwithout using one or more other components under the control of theprocessor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at leastone function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The oneor more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or acode executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage mediummay be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein,the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is atangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagneticwave), but this term does not differentiate between where data issemi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data istemporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments ofthe disclosure may be included and provided in a computer programproduct. The computer program product may be traded as a product betweena seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed inthe form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded)online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two userdevices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at leastpart of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or atleast temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such asmemory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store,or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or aprogram) of the above-described components may include a single entityor multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more ofthe above-described components may be omitted, or one or more othercomponents may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality ofcomponents (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a singlecomponent. In such a case, according to various embodiments, theintegrated component may still perform one or more functions of each ofthe plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they areperformed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components beforethe integration. According to various embodiments, operations performedby the module, the program, or another component may be carried outsequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or moreof the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, orone or more other operations may be added.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a front side of a mobileelectronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a perspectiveview showing a rear side of the electronic device of FIG. 4A, and FIG.4C is a plan view showing an upper side of the electronic device of FIG.4A.

As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, an electronic device 400 (e.g., theelectronic device 101 in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment may includea housing 410 that includes a first side (or a front side) 410A, asecond side (or a rear side) 410B, and a lateral side 410C surrounding aspace between the first side 410A and the second side 410B. In anotherembodiment (not shown), the housing may refer to a structure that formsa part of the first side 410A, second side 410B and lateral side 410C.According to one embodiment, the first side 410A may be formed by afront plate 402 (e.g., a glass plate having various coating layers, or apolymer plate) at least a part of which is substantially transparent.The second side 410B may be formed by a rear plate 411 which issubstantially opaque. The rear plate 411 may be made of, for example,coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum,stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof. Thelateral side 410C may be formed by a lateral bezel structure (or alateral member) 418 which joins the front plate 402 and the rear plate411 and may include a metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, therear plate 411 and the lateral bezel structures 418 may be integrallyformed of the same material (e.g., a metal such as aluminum).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 400 may include atleast one of a display 401, audio modules 403, 407 and 414, sensormodules 404 and 419, camera modules 405, 412 and 413, key input devices415, 416 and 417, an indicator 406, and connector holes 408 and 409. Insome embodiments, at least one (e.g., the key input devices 415, 416 and417, or the indicator 406) of the above components may be omitted fromthe electronic device 400, or one or more other components may be addedin the electronic device 400.

The display 401 may be exposed through a substantial portion of thefront plate 402. The display 401 may be associated with or adjacent to atouch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring theintensity of force incurred by a touch, and/or a digitizer for sensing astylus pen using a magnetic field.

The audio modules 403, 407 and 414 may include microphone holes 403 and421 and speaker holes 407 and 414. The microphone may be disposed insidethe housing 410 (i.e., in the space between the first side 410A and thesecond side 410B) and acquire external sound through the microphoneholes 403 and 421. In some embodiments, a plurality of microphones maybe disposed in the housing 410 so as to detect the direction of sound.For example, a first microphone may acquire sound through the firstmicrophone hole 403 formed on the lower side 410 c-a (as shown in FIGS.4A and 4B), and a second microphone may acquire sound through the secondmicrophone hole 421 formed on the upper side 410 c-b (as shown in FIG.4C). The speaker holes 407 and 414 may include an external speaker hole407 and a receiver hole 414 adapted to output a counterparty's voiceduring a call. In some embodiments, the speaker holes 407 and 414 andthe microphone hole 403 may be implemented as a single hole, or thespeaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be mounted in the electronic device400 without the speaker holes 407 and 414.

The sensor modules 404 and 419 may generate electric signals or datavalue corresponding to various operational states or environmentalstates of the electronic device 400. The sensor modules 404 and 419 mayinclude, for example, a first sensor module 404 (e.g., a proximitysensor), a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprintsensor), which are disposed on the first side 410A of the housing 410,and/or a third sensor module 419 (e.g., an heart rate monitor FIRMsensor) disposed on the second side 410B of the housing 410. Inaddition, a fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second side 410Bor on the first side 410A of the housing 410 (e.g., on the home keybutton 415). Although not shown, the sensor module 419 may furtherinclude, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor,an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerationsensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared(IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humiditysensor, a gas sensor (e.g., an electronic nose sensor), an illuminancesensor, etc. According to one embodiment, the gas sensor is disposedinside the housing 410 and is capable of detecting components of the airimmediately outside the electronic device 400 through a hole (e.g., thefirst microphone hole 403 or 421, the speaker hole 407 or 414, or theconnector hole 408 or 409) formed in the housing 410.

The camera modules 405, 412 and 413 may include a first camera device405 disposed on the first side 410A, and a second camera device 412and/or a flash 413 disposed on the second side 410B. Each of the cameradevices 405 and 412 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor,and/or an image signal processor. The flash 413 may include, forexample, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments,two or more lenses (wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensorsmay be disposed on one side of the electronic device 400.

The key input devices 415, 416 and 417 may include a home key button 415disposed on the first surface 410A of the housing 410, touch pads 416disposed near the home key button 415, and/or a side key button 417disposed on the lateral side 410C of the housing 410. In anotherembodiment, the electronic device 400 may not include some or all of theabove-mentioned key input devices 415, 416 and 417, and such excludedkey input devices may be implemented in other form such as soft keys onthe display 401.

The indicator 406 may be disposed on the first side 410A of the housing410, for example. The indicator 406 may output status information of theelectronic device 400 visually by, for example, providing a notificationlight, and may include an LED, for example.

The connector holes 408 and 409 may include a first connector hole 408and a second connector hole 409. The first connector hole 408 is adaptedto receive a connector 408 (e.g., a USB connector) fortransmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronicdevice. The second connector hole 409 (e.g., an earphone jack) isadapted to receive a connector for transmitting/receiving audio signalto/from an external electronic device.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, an electronic device 500 (e.g., the electronicdevice 101 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 400 of FIGS. 4A to 4C) mayinclude a lateral bezel structure 510, a first support member 511 (e.g.,a bracket), a front plate 520, a display 530, a printed circuit board540, a battery 550, a second support member 560 (e.g., a rear case), anantenna 570, and a rear plate 580. In some embodiments, at least one(e.g., the first support member 511 or the second support member 560) ofthe above components may be omitted from the electronic device 500, orone or more other components may be added in the electronic device 500.At least one of the components of the electronic device 500 may be thesame as or similar to the corresponding component(s) of the electronicdevice 400 previously described in FIGS. 4A to 4C, and detaileddescription of the same or similar component(s) will be omitted below.

The lateral bezel structure 510 may form a lateral side of theelectronic device 500 (e.g., the lateral side 410C in FIG. 4A). Thelateral bezel structure 510 may have one or more holes formed therein.Electronic components (e.g., a receiver, a speaker, a microphone, asensor, a camera, and/or a connector) may be mounted on the lateralbezel structure 510 and fluidically communicate with the outside of theelectronic device 500 through the hole(s) described in connection withFIGS. 4A-4C. Here, fluidic communication with the outside of theelectronic device 500 may refer to exposure to the outside, contact withthe outside air, or electrical (or physical) connection with an externalelectronic device.

The first support member 511 may be disposed inside the electronicdevice 500, being connected with or formed integrally with the lateralbezel structure 510. The first support member 511 may be formed of, forexample, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material.The first support member 511 may be combined with the display 530 on oneside thereof and combined with the printed circuit board 540 on theother side thereof. On the printed circuit board 540, a processor, amemory, and/or an interface may be mounted.

The processor may include, for example, one or more of a centralprocessing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit,an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communicationprocessor. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or anon-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a highdefinition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB)interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. Theinterface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device500 with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector,an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector. The processor mayinclude a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry,such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-basedprocessors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable LogicDevice (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU),a video card controller, etc. In addition, it would be recognized thatwhen a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing theprocessing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms thegeneral purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executingthe processing shown herein. Certain of the functions and steps providedin the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combinationof both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmedinstructions of a computer. No claim element herein is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the element isexpressly recited using the phrase “means for.” In addition, an artisanunderstands and appreciates that a “processor” or “microprocessor” maybe hardware in the claimed disclosure. Under the broadest reasonableinterpretation, the appended claims are statutory subject matter incompliance with 35 U.S.C. §101.

The battery 550, which is a device for supplying power to the componentsof the electronic device 500, may include a rechargeable secondarybattery, a non-rechargeable tertiary battery, or a fuel cell. At least aportion of the battery 550 may be disposed substantially coplanar withthe printed circuit board 540. The battery 550 may be disposedintegrally with or detachably from the electronic device 500.

The antenna 570 may be disposed between the rear plate 580 and thebattery 550. The antenna 570 may include, for example, a near fieldcommunication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or amagnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna 570 may be usedto perform short-range communication with an external device orwirelessly receive power required for charging. In other embodiments,part of the antenna structure may be the lateral bezel structure 510 andthe first support member 511.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a structure equipped with amicrophone and a gas sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is aschematic view showing one side of the structure shown in FIG. 6A.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a structure 600 according to an embodimentmay include a bezel structure 610, a microphone 620, a gas sensor 630,attaching agents 641, 642 and 643, waterproof films 651 and 652, printedcircuit boards (PCBs) 661 and 662, and a flexible PCB (FPCB) 670.

According to an embodiment, the bezel structure 610 may form a portionof the housing of the electronic device (e.g., the lateral bezelstructure 418 in FIG. 4A or the lateral bezel structure 510 in FIG. 5).

According to an embodiment, a hole 612 (e.g., the first microphone hole403 in FIG. 4A or the second microphone hole 421 in FIG. 4C) may beformed inward from a lateral side 611 of the bezel structure 610. Thehole 612 may be utilized as an inlet for the external sound acquisitionof the microphone located inside the housing. In addition, the hole 612may be utilized as an inlet for the outside air acquisition of the gassensor located inside the housing.

According to one embodiment, the hole 612 may be configured to includean outer opening 612 a formed on the lateral side 611, first and secondinner openings 612 b and 612 c formed in the rear side 613 of the bezelstructure 610, a first passage 612 d extending from the outer opening612 a in a direction (i.e., the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 6A)perpendicular to the lateral side 611 (i.e., parallel to the front side614 or rear side 613 of the bezel structure 610), a second passage 612 econnecting one point of the first passage 612 d to the first inneropening 612 b, and a third passage 612 f connecting another point of thefirst passage 612 d to the second inner opening 612 c.

According to an embodiment, the microphone 620 may be disposed on therear side 613 of the bezel structure 610 and may acquire sound fromoutside the electronic device through the hole 612. For example, onesurface of the first PCB 661 may be attached to the rear side 613 of thebezel structure 610 using the first attaching agent 641 so as to coverthe second passage 612 e. The microphone 620 may be disposed on theother surface of the first PCB 661 opposite to the surface of the firstPCB 661 that is attached to the rear side 613. The microphone 620 mayinclude a first surface having an opening 621 formed thereon as an airpassage, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The firstPCB 661 may have a via 661 a formed therein as an air passage from onesurface of the first PCB 661 to the other surface. The first surface ofthe microphone 620 may be disposed on the other surface of the first PCB661 such that the opening 621 overlaps the via 661 a. Accordingly, themicrophone 620 may acquire sound from outside along the second passage612 e, through the via 661 a and the opening 621.

According to an embodiment, the first attaching agent 641 may be adouble-sided tape having waterproof characteristics. Thus, the firstattaching agent 641 may prevent water or air from flowing into an innerspace 680 of the electronic device through the second passage 612 e.

According to an embodiment, the first waterproof film 651 may block theinflow of water into the microphone 620. For example, the firstwaterproof film 651 may be attached to a surface of the first PCB 661 soas to cover the via 661 a. The first waterproof film 651 may preventwater from flowing into the via 661 a, while permitting the flow of air.

According to an embodiment, the gas sensor 630 may be disposed on therear side 613 of the bezel structure 610 and be in contact with air thatflows through the hole 612. For example, the gas sensor 630 may includea first surface having an opening 631 a formed thereon as an airpassage, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The secondsurface of the gas sensor 630 may be attached to one surface of thesecond PCB 662. The first surface formed with the opening 631 a of thegas sensor 630 may be attached to the rear surface 613 of the bezelstructure 610 using the second attaching agent 642 so that the opening631 a fluidically communicates with the third passage 612 f.Accordingly, the gas sensor 630 may be in contact with air introducedthrough the third passage 612 f and the opening 631 a. Meanwhile, oneside of the second PCB 662 may be attached to the rear side of the bezelstructure 610 through the third attaching agent 643.

According to an embodiment, each of the second attaching agent 642 andthe third attaching agent 643 may be a double-sided tape havingwaterproof characteristics. The second and third attaching agents 642and 643 may prevent water from flowing into the inner space 680 throughthe third passage 612 f.

According to an embodiment, the second waterproof film 652 may block theinflow of water into the gas sensor 630. For example, the secondwaterproof film 652 may be attached to the first surface of the gassensor 630 having the opening 631 a so as to cover the opening 631 a.The second waterproof film 652 may prevent water from flowing into theopening 631 a of the gas sensor 630, while permitting the flow of air.

According to an embodiment, the microphone 620 and the gas sensor 630may be electrically connected to the processor. For example, the FPCB670 may electrically connect the first PCB 661 and the second PCB 662 toa main board (e.g., 540 in FIG. 5) of the electronic device. Therefore,the microphone 620 and the gas sensor 630 may be electrically connectedto the processor (e.g., an application processor or a sensor hubprocessor) mounted on the main board.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a front side of a structure equippedwith a receiver and a gas sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 7B isa cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7Cis a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB′ of FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIG. 7, a structure 700 according to an embodiment mayinclude a bezel structure 710, a receiver 720, a gas sensor 730,attaching agents 741 and 742, and a waterproof film 750.

According to an embodiment, the bezel structure 710 may form a portionof the housing of the electronic device (e.g., the first support member511 in FIG. 5).

According to an embodiment, a hole 712 for both the receiver 720 and thegas sensor 730 may be formed inward from the upper side 711 of the bezelstructure 710.

According to one embodiment, the hole 712 may be configured to includean outer opening 712 a formed in the upper side 711 of the bezelstructure 710, first and second inner openings 712 b and 712 c formed inthe rear side 713 of the bezel structure 710, a first passageway 712 dextended from the outer opening 712 a to the first inner opening 712 b,and a second passageway 712 e extended from the first passageway 712 dto the second inner opening 712 c.

According to an embodiment, the receiver 720 may be disposed on the rearside 713 of the bezel structure 710 and output sound through the hole712. For example, the receiver 720 may be disposed on the rear side 713of the bezel structure 710 such that an opening 721 thereof faces thefirst inner opening 712 b. The receiver 720 may be attached to the rearside 713 of the bezel structure 710 using the first attaching agent 741.

According to an embodiment, the first attaching agent 741 may be adouble-sided tape having waterproof characteristics. The first attachingagent 741 may prevent external water or air from flowing into the innerspace 760 of the electronic device through the hole 712.

According to an embodiment, the gas sensor 730 may be disposed on therear side 713 of the bezel structure 710 and be in contact with outsideair through the hole 712. For example, the gas sensor 730 may bedisposed on the rear side 713 of the bezel structure 710 such that asurface formed with an opening 731 faces the second inner opening 712 c.The gas sensor 730 may be attached to the rear side 713 of the bezelstructure 710 using the second attaching agent 742.

According to an embodiment, the second attaching agent 742 may be adouble-sided tape having waterproof characteristics. The secondattaching agent 742 may prevent water or air from flowing into the innerspace 760 through the hole 712. According to an embodiment, thewaterproof film 750 may block the inflow of water into the gas sensor730. For example, the waterproof film 750 may be attached to the surfaceof the gas sensor 730 having the opening 731 so as to cover the opening731. The waterproof film 750 may prevent water from flowing into theopening 731 of the gas sensor 730, while permitting the flow of air.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure equipped with areceiver and a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, a structure 800 according to an embodiment mayinclude a bezel structure 800, a receiver 820, a gas sensor 830,attaching agents 841, 842 and 843, a waterproof film 850, and ashielding sheet 860.

According to an embodiment, the bezel structure 800 may form a portionof the housing of the electronic device (e.g., the first support member511 in FIG. 5).

According to an embodiment, a first hole 812 may be formed inward fromthe upper side 811 of the bezel structure 800. The first hole 812 may beutilized as an outlet for the sound output of the receiver 820 locatedinside the housing. Also, the first hole 812 may be utilized as an airinlet for the gas sensor 830 located inside the housing.

According to an embodiment, one or more additional holes for directingthe air flowing from the first hole 812 toward the gas sensor 830 may beformed.

According to one embodiment, a second hole 813 and a third hole 814 maybe formed inward from the upper side 810 of the bezel structure 800 soas to direct the air introduced through the first hole 812 toward thegas sensor 830. In addition, the shielding sheet 860 may be disposed onthe upper side 810 of the bezel structure 800 so as to form a passage815 between the second and third holes 813 and 814. Therefore, the airintroduced through the first hole 812 may flow to the gas sensor 830through the second hole 813, the passage 815, and the third hole 814.

According to one embodiment, the shielding sheet 860 may be attached tothe upper side 811 of the bezel structure 800 using the third attachingagent 843. In addition, the shielding sheet 860 may be made of, forexample, a conductive material, and may dampen the sound outputted bythe receiver 820 through the second hole 813.

According to an embodiment, the receiver 820 may be disposed on the rearside 817 of the bezel structure 800 and output sound through the firsthole 812. For example, the receiver 820 may be disposed on the rear side817 of the bezel structure 800 such that an opening 821 thereof facesthe first hole 812. The receiver 820 may be attached to the rear side817 of the bezel structure 800 using the first attaching agent 841.

According to an embodiment, the first attaching agent 841 may be adouble-sided tape having waterproof characteristics. The first attachingagent 841 may prevent external water or air from flowing into the innerspace 870 of the electronic device through the first hole 812.

According to an embodiment, the gas sensor 830 may be disposed on therear side 817 of the bezel structure 800 and be in contact with airflowing through the first hole 812. For example, the gas sensor 830 maybe disposed on the rear side 817 of the bezel structure 800 such that asurface formed with an opening 831 faces the third hole 814. The gassensor 830 may be attached to the rear side 817 of the bezel structure800 using the second attaching agent 842.

According to an embodiment, the second attaching agent 842 may be adouble-sided tape having waterproof characteristics. The secondattaching agent 842 may prevent water or air from flowing into the innerspace 870 through the third hole 814.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof film 850 may block the inflowof water into the gas sensor 830. For example, the waterproof film 850may be attached to the surface of the gas sensor 830 formed with theopening 831 so as to cover the opening 831. The waterproof film 850 mayprevent water from flowing into the opening 831 of the gas sensor 830,while permitting the flow of air.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronic devicehaving a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

The operations shown in FIG. 9 and described hereinafter may beperformed by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) of theelectronic device having the structure described above with reference toFIGS. 6A-B, 7A-C, or 8.

According to an embodiment, at operation 910, the processor mayrecognize the occurrence of an event that triggers a launch (i.e.,initiation) of gas measurement.

In one embodiment, the event may be a specified time (e.g., 1:00 p.m.).That is, at the specified time, the processor may recognize that theevent occurs.

In another embodiment, the event may be a designated place (e.g., home).For example, the processor may acquire position information of theelectronic device through the wireless communication module (e.g.,module 192 in FIG. 1). When the acquired position informationcorresponds to the designated place, that is, when the electronic deviceis located at the designated place, the processor may recognize that theevent occurs.

In still another embodiment, the event may be a user input of triggeringa gas measurement. For example, the user input may be a user's touchthat selects a measurement start button displayed on the display. Also,the user input may be a user's voice, received via the microphone,requesting gas measurement.

In yet another embodiment, the event may be a call request signalreceived from or transmitted to a counterparty via the wirelesscommunication module (e.g., module 192 of FIG. 1). That is, theprocessor may detect the reception or transmission of the call requestsignal and recognize that as the occurrence of the event. For example,in the electronic device having a common hole for the microphone and thegas sensor as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the processor may recognize a callrequest signal as an event for starting a measurement of the user'shealth status (e.g., blood alcohol concentration, halitosis, etc.) usingthe gas sensor.

In yet another embodiment, the user's reaction to the reception of thecall request signal may be recognized as the occurrence of the event forinitiating the measurement of the user's health status using the gassensor. For example, in response to receiving the call request signal,the processor may output a specific notification sound through thespeaker, display a popup window or message through the display, and/oroutput a vibration through the haptic module. When the user accepts thecall, it may be recognized as the event. In this case, the user input toaccept the call, such as touch or voice, may be received via inputdevices such as the touch-sensitive display or the microphone.

In yet another embodiment, a user input of triggering the transmissionof the call request signal may be recognized as the event for initiatingthe measurement of the user's health status using the gas sensor. Forexample, this user input may be a user's touch of selecting a callbutton displayed on the display, or a user's voice, received via themicrophone, of requesting a call connection.

According to an embodiment, at operation 920, the processor may drivethe gas sensor in response to the occurrence of the event. For example,the processor may control the gas sensor to acquire data associated witha particular component of the air in contact with the gas sensor. Then,the gas sensor may deliver the acquired raw data to the processor (e.g.,the sensor hub processor).

In one embodiment, the processor may further drive atemperature/humidity sensor in response to the occurrence of the event.Then, the temperature/humidity sensor may generate temperature/humidityraw data and transmit the generated data to the processor.

According to an embodiment, at operation 930, the processor (e.g., thesensor hub processor) may analyze the raw data received from the gassensor and thereby calculate the concentration (e.g., parts per million(ppm), mg/m³, or ug/m³) of a particular component of the air such asalcohol, volatile organic compounds (VOC), total VOC (TVOC), fine dust,carbon dioxide, halitosis(e.g., volatile sulfur compounds (VSC)), etc.

In one embodiment, the processor may calculate temperature/humidity byanalyzing the raw data received from the temperature/humidity sensor andmodify the calculated concentration based on the calculatedtemperature/humidity.

According to an embodiment, at operation 940, the processor may performa particular function assigned to the calculated or modifiedconcentration.

In one embodiment, the operation 940 may include an operation ofnotifying the quality of the outside air to the user. The outside airquality may be classified into, for example, five levels (e.g.,excellent, good, normal, poor, very bad), and the processor may output anotification message indicating the level corresponding to thecalculated or modified concentration through the display and/or thespeaker.

In one embodiment, the operation 940 may include an operation ofnotifying a blood alcohol concentration or a halitosis level to theuser. For example, the processor may output an alert message via thedisplay and/or the speaker when the blood alcohol concentration exceedsa predetermined value (e.g., a value corresponding to the legal drivinglimit).

In one embodiment, the operation 940 may include an operation ofcontrolling, based on the calculated or modified concentration, thepower-on/off or a specific function of an external electronic device(e.g., an internet of things (IoT) device) connected to the electronicdevice via the wireless communication module. For example, the processormay send a shutdown command to a vehicle's electronic control systemwhen the blood alcohol concentration exceeds the predetermined value. Asanother example, the processor may control an air purifier, an airconditioner, a heater, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, etc., to improveair quality, when the air quality is low.

In one embodiment, the operation 940 may include an operation ofadjusting a measurement cycle of the gas sensor, based on the calculatedor modified concentration. For example, as shown in Table 1, theprocessor may reduce power consumption by increasing the measurementcycle as the air quality improves.

TABLE 1 Concentration of TVOC Air Quality Measurement Cycle Level 1(TVOC < 0.3 mg/m³) Excellent Once per 30 sec. Level 2 (TVOC > 0.3 mg/m³)Good Once per 20 sec. Level 3 (TVOC > 3 mg/m³) Normal Once per 10 sec.Level 4 (TVOC > 10 mg/m³) Poor Once per 5 sec. Level 5 (TVOC > 25 mg/m³)Very bad Once per 3 sec.

In one embodiment, the operation 940 may include an operation ofnotifying the calculated concentration, a variation thereof, orcorresponding information to an external entity (e.g., the user and/oran external electronic device). For example, when the air quality ischanged, an alarm message may be outputted through the display and/orthe speaker. When the air quality changes abruptly (e.g., a change fromlevel 1 to level 5 within a few minutes as shown in Table 1), theprocessor may output a predetermined message (e.g., a fire alarm)corresponding to such a change via the display and/or the speaker. Also,the processor may send such a message to a nearby fire station.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a gas sensor according to an embodiment.

The operations shown in FIG. 10 and described hereinafter may beperformed by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) of theelectronic device having the structure described above with reference toFIGS. 6A-B, 7A-C, or 8.

Normally, raw data acquired during a proximity call may result in aninaccurate calculation of air quality. Here, proximity calls refer towhen the user talks into the electronic device while placing his/her earin contact with or close to the receiver. For example, in the electronicdevice having a common hole for the microphone and the gas sensor asshown in FIGS. 6A-B, the gas sensor may detect air in the externalenvironment mixed with air emitted from the user's mouth during theproximity call. This may cause inaccuracy in calculating the air qualityof the outside environment. As another example, in the electronic devicehaving a common hole for the receiver and the gas sensor as shown inFIG. 7 or 8, the inflow of air into the common hole may be disturbed bythe user's ear which is in close contact with the receiver during theproximity call. Therefore, the calculation of the outside air qualitymay be inaccurate.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor mayperform a gas measurement operation (e.g., the following operations)while taking into account the proximity call.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1010, the processor may controlthe gas sensor to acquire raw data associated with outside air quality.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1020, the processor mayrecognize a user gesture of starting the proximity call while the gassensor acquires raw data. In one embodiment, the processor may recognizethe user gesture based on at least data obtained from a proximitysensor. For example, in a certain state (e.g., after a call requestsignal is received from or transmitted to an external device via thewireless communication module, or during a call with an external devicevia the wireless communication module), a data value obtained from theproximity sensor may indicate that the user has moved the electronicdevice closer to the user's face (e.g. cheek). In this case, theprocessor may recognize that a user gesture of starting the proximitycall has occurred. Thereafter, when a data value obtained from theproximity sensor indicates the user has moved the electronic device awayfrom the user's face by at least a predetermine distance, the processormay recognize that a user gesture of terminating the proximity call hasoccurred.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1030, the processor maycalculate the outside air quality based on at least one of raw dataacquired by the gas sensor before the user gesture of starting theproximity call is recognized, or raw data acquired by the gas sensorafter the user gesture of ending the proximity call is recognized. Forexample, the processor may calculate the average value of raw datacollected during a given time interval and then calculate the airquality by using the average value. In this calculation of the averagevalue, raw data collected during the proximity call may be excluded.Alternatively, the operation of collecting raw data (e.g., storing rawdata in the memory) may be interrupted during the proximity call andresumed at the end of the proximity call.

According to some embodiments, in the electronic device having a commonhole for the microphone and the gas sensor as shown in FIGS. 6A-B, theraw data collected during the proximity call may not be discarded and beused in measuring the user's health status. Additionally, the processormay modify the calculated air quality, based on the temperature/humidityacquired via the temperature/humidity sensor.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1040, the processor may performa particular function assigned to the calculated or modified airquality. For example, the operation 1040 may include an operation ofnotifying the user of the outside air quality, an operation ofcontrolling the power-on/off or function of an external electronicdevice (e.g., an IoT device) based on the air quality, an operation ofadjusting the measurement cycle of the gas sensor based on the airquality, or an operation of notifying a variation of air quality ortransmitting corresponding information to an external entity (e.g., anexternal electronic device).

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a common hole for a microphone and a gas sensor accordingto an embodiment.

The operations shown in FIG. 11 and described hereinafter may beperformed by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) of theelectronic device having the structure described above with reference toFIGS. 6A-B.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1110, the processor mayrecognize a user gesture of starting a proximity call. In oneembodiment, the processor may recognize the proximity call startinggesture based on at least data obtained from at least one sensor (e.g.,the acceleration sensor, the proximity sensor, etc.).

According to an embodiment, at operation 1120, the processor may controlthe gas sensor to acquire raw data associated with the user's healthstatus in response to the user gesture of starting the proximity call.In one embodiment, the acquisition of raw data may continue for apredetermined time after the proximity call starting gesture isrecognized. In another embodiment, the acquisition of raw data maycontinue until the user gesture of ending the proximity call isrecognized.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1130, the processor may measurethe user's health status (e.g., blood alcohol concentration or halitosislevel), based on at least the raw data obtained by the gas sensor afterthe proximity call starting gesture is recognized. Additionally, theprocessor may modify the measured health status, based on thetemperature/humidity obtained through the temperature/humidity sensor.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1140, the processor may performa particular function assigned to the measured or modified healthstatus. For example, the operation 1140 may include an operation ofnotifying the blood alcohol concentration or halitosis level to theuser, an operation of controlling the power-on/off or function of anexternal electronic device (e.g., an IoT device) based on the healthstatus, an operation of adjusting the measurement cycle of the gassensor based on the health status, or an operation of notifying avariation of health status or transmitting corresponding information toan external entity (e.g., an external electronic device).

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of an electronicdevice having a common hole for a receiver and a gas sensor according toan embodiment.

The operations shown in FIG. 12 and described hereinafter may beperformed by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) of theelectronic device having the structure described above with reference toFIGS. 7A-C or 8.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1210, the processor mayrecognize the occurrence of an event that triggers the initiation of airquality measurement.

In one embodiment, the event may be a specified time (e.g., 1:00 p.m.).That is, at the specified time, the processor may recognize that theevent occurs.

In another embodiment, the event may be a designated place (e.g., home).For example, the processor may acquire position information of theelectronic device through the wireless communication module (e.g.,module 192 in FIG. 1). When the acquired position informationcorresponds to the designated place, that is, when the electronic deviceis located at the designated place, the processor may recognize that theevent occurs.

In still another embodiment, the event may be a user input of triggeringan air quality measurement. For example, the user input may be a user'stouch that selects a measurement start button displayed on the display.Also, the user input may be a user's voice, received via the microphone,requesting an air quality measurement.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1220, the processor maydetermine whether the receiver is driven. In one embodiment, driving maymean a state in which a voice signal obtained through the wirelesscommunication module is converted into a sound wave and is beingoutputted through the receiver. When the receiver is not driven, theprocessor may drive, at operation 1230, the receiver to output anon-audible frequency signal (e.g., an ultrasonic signal). Since theflow of air may be guided to the gas sensor by sound outputted from thereceiver, both at audible frequencies and non-audible frequencies,reaction rate and recovery speed of the gas sensor during air qualitymeasurement may be improved when the receiver is driven.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1240, the processor may drivethe gas sensor in response to the occurrence of the event or afterdriving the receiver at operation 1230. For example, the processor maycontrol the gas sensor to acquire raw data associated with a particularcomponent of the outside air. Then, the gas sensor may deliver theacquired raw data to the processor (e.g., the sensor hub processor). Inaddition, the processor may also drive the temperature/humidity sensorin response to the occurrence of the event.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1250, the processor (e.g., thesensor hub processor) may calculate the quality of the outside air,based on at least the raw data acquired by the gas sensor. In oneembodiment, the proximity call as described above with reference to FIG.10 may be considered in the calculation of the air quality because rawdata obtained during the proximity call may result in inaccuracies inthe air quality calculation. Additionally, the processor may analyze rawdata received from the temperature/humidity sensor, thereby calculatethe temperature/humidity, and modify the calculated air quality based onthe calculated temperature/humidity.

According to an embodiment, at operation 1260, the processor may performa particular function assigned to the calculated or modified airquality. For example, the operation 1260 may include an operation ofnotifying the outside air quality to the user, an operation ofcontrolling the power-on/off or function of an external electronicdevice (e.g., an IoT device) based on the air quality, an operation ofadjusting the measurement cycle of the gas sensor based on the airquality, or an operation of notifying a variation of air quality ortransmitting corresponding information to an external entity (e.g., anexternal electronic device).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice may comprise a housing having a hole formed therein; an audiodevice located inside the housing and communicating with an outside ofthe electronic device through the hole; a gas sensor located inside thehousing and communicating with the outside through the hole; a proximitysensor located inside the housing; a wireless communication modulelocated inside the housing; and a processor located inside the housingand electrically connected to the audio device, the gas sensor, theproximity sensor, and the wireless communication module. The processormay be configured to acquire data associated with air outside theelectronic device by using the gas sensor, to recognize a user gestureof starting a proximity call by using the proximity sensor, and tocalculate air quality based on at least one of data acquired by the gassensor before the proximity call starting gesture is recognized and dataacquired by the gas sensor after a gesture of ending the proximity callis recognized.

The audio device may include a microphone, and the housing may include afirst side facing a first direction, a second side facing a seconddirection opposite to the first direction, and a structure surroundingat least a portion of a space between the first side and the secondside. The hole may include an outer opening formed in a front side ofthe structure, first and second inner openings formed in a rear side ofthe structure, and a passage extended from the outer opening to thefirst and second inner openings. The microphone may be disposed on therear side of the structure so as to allow air to flow into an opening ofthe microphone through the first inner opening. The gas sensor may bedisposed on the rear side of the structure so as to allow air to flowinto an opening of the gas sensor through the second inner opening.

The electronic device may further comprise an attaching agent disposedaround the first and second inner openings and configured to prevent aforeign matter from flowing into the space through the first and secondinner openings.

The electronic device may further comprise a first waterproof filmattached to the opening of the microphone, and a second waterproof filmattached to the opening of the gas sensor.

The processor may be further configured to drive the gas sensor whensound is acquired through the microphone.

The electronic device may further comprise a display electricallyconnected to the processor, and the processor may be further configuredto output information associated with the calculated air quality throughat least one of the display or the wireless communication module.

The processor may be further configured to drive the gas sensor duringthe proximity call.

The audio device may include a receiver, and the housing may include afirst side facing a first direction, a second side facing a seconddirection opposite to the first direction, and a structure surroundingat least a portion of a space between the first side and the secondside. The hole may include an outer opening formed in a front side ofthe structure, first and second inner openings formed in a rear side ofthe structure, and a passage extended from the outer opening to thefirst and second inner openings. The receiver may be disposed on therear side of the structure so as to allow air to flow into an opening ofthe receiver through the first inner opening. The gas sensor may bedisposed on the rear side of the structure so as to allow air to flowinto an opening of the gas sensor through the second inner opening.

The electronic device may further comprise an attaching agent disposedaround the first and second inner openings and configured to prevent aforeign matter from flowing into the space through the first and secondinner openings.

The electronic device may further comprise a first waterproof filmattached to the opening of the receiver, and a second waterproof filmattached to the opening of the gas sensor.

The processor may be further configured to drive the gas sensor when thereceiver is driven.

The processor may be further configured to control the receiver tooutput ultrasonic waves in response to occurrence of an event triggeringan initiation of gas measurement using the gas sensor when the receiveris not driven.

The processor may be further configured to drive the gas sensor whenposition information acquired through the wireless communication modulecorresponds to a designated place.

The electronic device may further comprise a display electricallyconnected to the processor, wherein the processor may be furtherconfigured to output information associated with the calculated airquality through at least one of the display or the wirelesscommunication module.

The processor may be further configured to control the gas sensor toacquire the data associated with the air outside the electronic device,and to recognize the user gesture of starting the proximity call, basedon at least data acquired from the proximity sensor when the electronicdevice is in communication with an external device via the wirelesscommunication module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice may comprise a housing having a hole formed therein; a microphonelocated inside the housing and communicating with an outside of theelectronic device through the hole; a gas sensor located inside thehousing and communicating with the outside through the hole; a proximitysensor located inside the housing; a wireless communication modulelocated inside the housing; and a processor located inside the housingand electrically connected to the microphone, the gas sensor, theproximity sensor, and the wireless communication module. The processormay be configured to recognize a user gesture of starting a proximitycall, based on at least data acquired from the proximity sensor when theelectronic device is in communication with an external device via thewireless communication module, and to measure a user's health statusbased on at least data acquired by the gas sensor after the user gestureof starting the proximity call is recognized.

The processor may be further configured to measure the user's healthstatus, based on data acquired by the gas sensor after the user gestureof starting the proximity call is recognized and before a gesture ofending the proximity call is recognized.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method foroperating an electronic device may comprise acquiring, by a gas sensorof the electronic device, data associated with air outside theelectronic device; recognizing, by a processor of the electronic device,a user gesture of starting a proximity call, based on at least dataacquired from a proximity sensor of the electronic device when theelectronic device is in communication with an external device via awireless communication module of the electronic device; and calculating,by the processor, air quality based on at least one of data acquired bythe gas sensor before the proximity call starting gesture is recognizedand data acquired by the gas sensor after a gesture of ending theproximity call is recognized.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method foroperating an electronic device may comprise recognizing, by a processorof the electronic device, a user gesture of starting a proximity call,based on at least data acquired from a proximity sensor of theelectronic device when the electronic device is in communication with anexternal device via a wireless communication module of the electronicdevice; and measuring, by the processor, a user's health status, basedon at least data acquired by a gas sensor of the electronic device afterthe user gesture of starting the proximity call is recognized.

In this method, the processor may measure the user's health status,based on data acquired by the gas sensor after the user gesture ofstarting the proximity call is recognized and before the proximity callis ended.

Certain of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure canbe implemented in hardware, firmware or via the execution of software orcomputer code that can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD ROM,a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a magnetic tape, a RAM, a floppy disk, ahard disk, or a magneto-optical disk or computer code downloaded over anetwork originally stored on a remote recording medium or anon-transitory machine readable medium and to be stored on a localrecording medium, so that the methods described herein can be renderedvia such software that is stored on the recording medium using a generalpurpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicatedhardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art,the computer, the processor, microprocessor controller or theprogrammable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash,etc. that may store or receive software or computer code that whenaccessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware implementthe processing methods described herein.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearlyunderstood that the same is by way of illustration and example only andis not to be taken in conjunction with the present disclosure. It willbe understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the subjectmatter and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a housing havinga hole formed therein; a microphone provided inside the housing andarranged to communicate with an outside of the electronic device throughthe hole; a gas sensor provided inside the housing and arranged tocommunicate with the outside through the hole; a proximity sensorprovided inside the housing; a wireless communication module providedinside the housing; and a processor provided inside the housing andelectrically connected to the microphone, the gas sensor, the proximitysensor, and the wireless communication module, wherein the processor isconfigured to: recognize a user gesture of starting a proximity callbased on at least data acquired from the proximity sensor when theelectronic device is in communication with an external device via thewireless communication module, wherein during the proximity call theuser talks into the electronic device while placing their ear in contactwith or close to the electronic device, and measure a user's healthstatus based on at least data acquired by the gas sensor after the usergesture of starting the proximity call is recognized.
 2. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured tomeasure the user's health status based on data acquired by the gassensor after the user gesture of starting the proximity call isrecognized and before a gesture of ending the proximity call isrecognized.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the housingincludes a first side facing a first direction, a second side facing asecond direction opposite to the first direction, and a structuresurrounding at least a portion of a space between the first side and thesecond side, wherein the hole includes an outer opening formed in afront side of the structure, first and second inner openings formed in arear side of the structure, and a passage extended from the outeropening to the first and second inner openings, wherein the microphoneis disposed on the rear side of the structure so as to allow air to flowinto an opening of the microphone through the first inner opening, andwherein the gas sensor is disposed on the rear side of the structure soas to allow air to flow into an opening of the gas sensor through thesecond inner opening.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, furthercomprising: an attaching agent disposed around the first and secondinner openings and configured to prevent a foreign matter from flowinginto the space through the first and second inner openings.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 3, further comprising: a first waterprooffilm attached to the opening of the microphone; and a second waterprooffilm attached to the opening of the gas sensor.
 6. The electronic deviceof claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to drive the gassensor when sound is acquired through the microphone.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a display electrically connectedto the processor, wherein the processor is further configured to outputinformation indicating the measured health status through at least oneof the display or the wireless communication module.
 8. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to drivethe gas sensor during the proximity call.
 9. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust themeasurement cycle of the gas sensor based on the measured health status.10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to recognize a call request signal as an event for starting ameasurement of the user's health status.
 11. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to recognize theuser's reaction to a reception of a call request signal as an event forstarting a measurement of the user's health status.
 12. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured torecognize a user input of triggering the transmission of a call requestsignal as an event for starting a measurement of the user's healthstatus.
 13. A method for operating an electronic device, the methodcomprising: recognizing, by a processor of the electronic device, a usergesture of starting a proximity call based on at least data acquiredfrom a proximity sensor of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is in communication with an external device via a wirelesscommunication module of the electronic device, wherein during theproximity call the user talks into the electronic device while placingtheir ear in contact with or close to the electronic device; andmeasuring, by the processor, a user's health status, based on at leastdata acquired by a gas sensor of the electronic device after the usergesture of starting the proximity call is recognized.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, the measuring the user's health status comprises measuring theuser's health status based on data acquired by the gas sensor after theuser gesture of starting the proximity call is recognized and before agesture of ending the proximity call is recognized.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: displaying information indicating themeasured health status through at least one of a display of theelectronic device or the wireless communication module.